Native American Culture Pride

07/05/2023

A Hopi family gathers close to a fire being lit in their adobe in this unique colored 1905 capture. Adobes were one of the first permanent dwellings for Native Americans. They were built in large communities called “pueblos,” and the people that built them – such as this Hopi family – would come to be known as “the Pueblo Indians.”

Unlike more nomadic people, pueblos were particularly vulnerable to attack as enemies would always know where to find their targets. One of the largest pueblos in North America is the settlement of the Anasazi people, who mysteriously disappeared.

07/05/2023

The Kutenai people are a Native American tribe residing in the Pacific Northwest and the Rocky Mountains, known for their deep spiritual beliefs, hunting skills, and vibrant cultural traditions. In this photo, we can see two Kutenai people preparing to embark on an unknown mission in their canoe in this photo by Edward S. Curtis.

The river is a fitting setting for the photograph as the Kutenai were known as “Skalzi,” the lake and water people, by neighboring tribes. The Kutenai were paid tremendous respect by both their neighbors and the expanding colonists. Their society, although enslaving people, was considered progressive at the time as there were no extreme hierarchies or brutal punishments for crimes.

07/04/2023

In this touching 1908 photograph, a captivating scene unfolds as a curious baby stares in wide-eyed wonder at the sudden camera flash. Securely fastened to its mother's back, the child embodies the cherished bond of love and protection, symbolizing the timeless connection between parent and child across generations.

Native American children received a special place in the tribe and would undergo a number of rites and rituals as they became part of the society and world at large. Gender roles were deeply entrenched; boys were expected to learn the art of hunting and defense, and girls were expected to learn how to tend crops, cook, and create tools such as baskets.

06/30/2023

A procession of Atsina warriors, in full battle regalia, head to battle in this astonishing photograph taken by Edward S. Curtis. The Atsina, known to Europeans as “Gros Ventres,” were formidable fighters and often engaged in skirmishes. One of the most well-documented battles, the Battle of Pierre’s Hole, involved the Gros Ventre holding ground against several American trappers and numerous Iroquois tribespeople.

The battle concluded with twenty-six Gros Ventre fatalities for the twelve deaths of their foes. At the end of the battle, a soldier wrote, “‘The din of arms was now changed into the noise of the vulture and the howling of masterless dogs.”

06/29/2023

Once upon a time, in a small Anishinaabe village, there lived a young boy named Mikasi. Mikasi was known for his intelligence and curiosity, and he had a strong desire to gain wisdom and knowledge. He was always eager to learn from the elders and the natural world around him. One day, as Mikasi was walking by the river, he noticed a beaver diligently constructing a dam. Impressed by the beaver's industriousness, Mikasi approached it and asked, "Dear Beaver, how do you know how to build such remarkable dams?" The beaver looked up and replied, "Young Mikasi, I have been blessed with the gift of Nibwaakaawin, the wisdom. It is through this wisdom that I know how to build and maintain my dams. I have learned from my ancestors and the teachings of nature." Intrigued, Mikasi asked, "Can you share some of your wisdom with me, dear Beaver?" The beaver smiled and said, "Of course, Mikasi. Remember, wisdom comes from observation, patience, and reflection. It is a lifelong journey." With enthusiasm, Mikasi spent days observing the beaver's construction techniques and learning from its actions. He watched as the beaver used its sharp teeth and strong paws to fell trees and gather materials. He learned how the beaver meticulously arranged branches and mud to create a sturdy dam. As Mikasi continued his quest for wisdom, he realized that the beaver's teachings extended beyond dam-building. He saw how the beaver cared for its family and the environment. The beaver used its wisdom to create a harmonious balance in its ecosystem. Over time, Mikasi applied the wisdom of Nibwaakaawin in his own life. He became known as a wise and respected member of the community. He shared his knowledge with others and inspired them to seek wisdom in their own journeys. And so, the story of Mikasi and the beaver's wisdom spread throughout the Anishinaabe village. Mikasi's dedication to Nibwaakaawin taught everyone the value of seeking wisdom, learning from nature, and living in harmony with the world around them. To this day, Mikasi's story serves as a reminder that wisdom is not only found in books but also in observing, reflecting, and embracing the teachings of the natural world. It is a lifelong pursuit that brings balance, understanding, and respect to our lives and the lives of others.

09/21/2022

New release! It's only available for a short time.
Get this perfect blanket: https://www.native-az.com/blanket-1

09/20/2022

Orange Shirt Day 🧡
Order here: https://www.native-az.com/shirt-orange

09/20/2022

Native American Culture Pride updated their website address.

Native American Culture Pride updated their website address.

09/14/2022

Kokopelmana
An American Indian woman rides a dun and white spotted mustang horse through a field of tall grass. Off in the distance a forest of fir trees lines the grassland. Behind the forest, sharp, rocky, snow covered peaks rise high into the sky where wispy pink clouds drift lazily by. A gentle wind blows picking up the horse's black mane and tail. Her saddle and garb are both black with turquoise fringes. The repetitive symbol of Kokopelli, the fertility spirit, fill the open spaces of the material.

Kokopelli is a fertility deity from American Indian cultures of the Southwest. It is theorised that he is based upon a real type of person, a kind of travelling merchant, storyteller, reporter, and entertainer. You might say he is the Native American equivalent to a European bard,troubadour, or minstrel. Generally, he is depicted alone, but in some renditions, he has a
consort or wife known as Kokopelmana or Kokopelli-mana. Here I have depicted her as a real person, a travelling story teller riding a horse through the American Wild West.

08/15/2022

Kokopelli Sunset
A giant stone Kokopelli statue sit on some rocks in a desert. The red sunset illuminates the arid valley which is filled with yellow grasses and cacti. The right side of the image is dominated by rocky mesas.

Kokopelli occasionally makes appearances in some of my Native American themed art. He is a common symbol of several tribes of American Indians of the Southwest. This is the first time, however, where I made the fertility deity the main subject of a work.

08/05/2022

The Bear WomanAn American Indian woman touches the muzzle of a giant grizzly bear. They stand in a snowy wilderness surrounded by fir trees and high snow covered mountains. Ominous clouds fill the sky.

"The Bear Woman" is a Blackfoot legend about woman who takes a bear for a husband, then later becomes a bear herself and causes great trouble. Here is the (very) short version:

A young Native American woman refuses to marry. Every day while her father and brothers are out hunting, she disappears leaving her little sister alone for long periods. One day, her sister followers her and finds that she has taken a bear as a husband. The little sister tells their father who, with his sons, kills the bear. Later, the bear woman gains the ability to transform herself into a bear. She kills most of people in the village. Her brothers develop a plan to lure her into a trap. They have the younger sister anger the bear woman who takes on her bear form again and chases her, but the bear woman figures out the brothers' trap and chases them all. A pursuit ensues involving much magic. The bear woman is eventually killed by one of her brothers, but having no people to return to, they all decide to go up into the sky where they become the stars of the Ursa Major constellation.
The Bear Woman is a piece of digital artwork by Daniel Eskridge which was uploaded on April 11th, 2014.

08/03/2022

A VERY WORTHY READ!
Keanu Reeves was abandoned by his father at 3 years old and grew up with 3 different stepfathers. He is dyslexic. His dream of becoming a hockey player was shattered by a serious accident. His daughter died at birth. His wife died in a car accident. His best friend, River Phoenix, died of an overdose. His sister has leukemia.
And with everything that has happened, Keanu Reeves never misses an opportunity to help people in need. When he was filming the movie "The Lake House," he overheard the conversation of two costume assistants; One cried because he would lose his house if he did not pay $20,000 and on the same day Keanu deposited the necessary amount in the woman's bank account; He also donated stratospheric sums to hospitals.
In 2010, on his birthday, Keanu walked into a bakery and bought a brioche with a single candle, ate it in front of the bakery, and offered coffee to people who stopped to talk to him.
After winning astronomical sums for the Matrix trilogy, the actor donated more than $50 million to the staff who handled the costumes and special effects - the true heroes of the trilogy, as he called them.
He also gave a Harley-Davidson to each of the stunt doubles. A total expense of several million dollars. And for many successful films, he has even given up 90% of his salary to allow the production to hire other stars.
In 1997 some paparazzi found him walking one morning in the company of a homeless man in Los Angeles, listening to him and sharing his life for a few hours.
Most stars when they make a charitable gesture they declare it to all the media. He has never claimed to be doing charity, he simply does it as a matter of moral principles and not to look better in the eyes of others.
This man could buy everything, and instead every day he gets up and chooses one thing that cannot be bought: To be a good person.
Keanu Reeves’ father is of Native Hawaiian descent 🪶
🔥 Welcom to Native American Culture Pride Group.

08/01/2022

White Man Runs Him. Crow. ca. 1910. Photo by DeLancey W. Gill

07/30/2022

Love

06/15/2022

G-morning brothers an sisters!!

06/15/2022

06/15/2022

Good morning/afternoon everyone.. New day, New week, New beginnings. Have a wonderful day! 🦅
Blessings to all.

06/15/2022

Hau & Hihanni Was'te Mitakuyepi..Hello & Good Morning my Relatives storms and Hail all night hopefully everyone survived ok. Anpetu Was'te yuha yo..Have a nice day everyone ❤️ 🙏 ❤️

06/15/2022

Something special, Pow Wow dancing!!
Have an awesome "Wednesday"!! 🤎🐾🦅

06/15/2022

Good morning

06/14/2022

Girls of the Purhepecha Plateau.
They are so cute - especially the two on the bottom !
The one at the very bottom is an up and coming Fashionista....
But, the little girl behind her, she just likes having here picture taken and knows what to do, (i.e. smile) !

06/14/2022

Mrs. Taha George, the wife of Chief George Slahholt, on the Burrard Reserve in Vancouver, British Columbia - Tsleil-Waututh - 1957
{Note: Chief George Slahholt and Mrs. Taha George were the parents of Chief Dan George (b.1899 - d.1981).}

06/14/2022

$ 5 Silver Certifikat 1899, The only US Banknote wiht a Native American Chief on it....

06/14/2022

Have a good week everyone!

06/14/2022

“Before I was six years old, my grandparents and my mother had taught me that if all the green things that grow were taken from the earth, there could be no life. If all the four-legged creatures were taken from the earth, there could be no life. If all the winged creatures were taken from the earth, there could be no life. If all our relatives who crawl and swim and live within the earth were taken away, there could be no life. But if all the human beings were taken away, life on earth would flourish. That is how insignificant we are.”
Russell Means, Oglala Lakota Nation (November 10, 1939 – October 22, 2012).

06/14/2022

Legend of the White Buffalo
Sioux (lakota)
The White Buffalo are sacred to many Native Americans. The Lakota (Sioux) Nation has passed down The Legend of the White Buffalo–a story now approximately 2,000 years old–at many council meetings, sacred ceremonies, and through the tribe’s storytellers. There are several variations, but all are meaningful and tell of the same outcome. Have communication with the Creator through prayer with clear intent for Peace, Harmony, and Balance for all life living in the Earth Mother.
Spirituality among Natives Americans and non-Native Americans has been a strong force for those who believe in the power of the Great Spirit or God.
It matters not what you call the Creator. What matters is that you pray to give thanks for your blessings and trust the guidance given to you from the world of Spirit. Many truths about Spirit are told and handed down from one generation to the next.
The legend of the White Buffalo Calf Woman tells how the People had lost the ability to communicate with the Creator. The Creator sent the sacred White Buffalo Calf Woman to teach the People how to pray with the Pipe. With that Pipe, seven sacred ceremonies were given for the people to abide in order to ensure a future with harmony, peace, and balance.
Legend says that long ago, two young men were out hunting when from out of nowhere came a beautiful maiden dressed in white buckskin. One of the hunters looked upon her and recognizing her as a wakan, or sacred being lowered his eyes. The second hunter approached her with lust in his eyes desiring her for his woman. White Buffalo Calf Woman beckoned the lustful warrior to her, and as he approached a cloud of dust arose around them causing them to be hidden from view. When the dust settled, nothing but a pile of bones lay next to her.
As she walked toward the respectful young hunter, she explained to him that she had merely fulfilled the other man’s desire, allowing him, within that brief moment, to live a lifetime, die and decay. White Buffalo Calf Woman instructed the young man to go back to the People and tell them to prepare for her arrival to teach them of the way to pray. The young hunter obeyed.
When White Buffalo Calf woman arrived with the sacred bundle (the prayer pipe) she taught the People of the seven sacred ways to pray. These prayers are through ceremonies that include the Sweat Lodge for purification; the Naming Ceremony for child naming; the Healing Ceremony to restore health to the body, mind and spirit; the adoption ceremony for making of relatives; the marriage ceremony for uniting male and female; the Vision Quest for communing with the Creator for direction and answers to one’s life; and the Sundance Ceremony to pray for the well-being of all the People.
When the teaching of the sacred ways was complete, White Buffalo Calf Woman told the people she would again return for the sacred bundle that she left with them. Before leaving, she told them that within her were the four ages and that she would look back upon the People in each age, returning at the end of the fourth age, to restore harmony and spirituality to a troubled land. She walked a short distance, she looked back towards the people and sat down. When she arose they were amazed to see she had become a black buffalo. Walking a little further, the buffalo laid down, this time arising as a yellow buffalo. The third time the buffalo walked a little further and this time arose as a red buffalo. Walking a little further it rolled on the ground and rose one last time as a white buffalo calf signaling the fulfillment of the White Buffalo Calf prophecy.
The changing of the four colors of the White Buffalo Calf Woman represents the four colors of man–white, yellow, red and black. These colors also represent the four directions, north, east, south, and west. The sacred bundle that was left to the Lakota people is still with the People in a sacred place on the Cheyenne River Indian reservation in South Dakota. It is kept by a man known as the Keeper of the White Buffalo Calf Pipe, Arvol Looking Horse.
The legend of the White Buffalo Calf Woman remains ever promising in this age of spiritual enlightenment and conscious awareness. In today’s world of confusion and war, many of us are looking for signs of peace.
“With the return of the White Buffalo, it is a sign that prayers are being heard, that the sacred pipe is being honored, and that the promises of prophecy are being fulfilled. White Buffalo signals a time of abundance and plenty.”
Though harsh as the world we live in may be throughout recorded history there have been spiritual leaders teaching peace, hope, and balance (synergy) amongst all life. This was taught by great teachers such as Jesus, Buddha, the Dali Lama’s, and Native American leaders.
Chief Crazy Horse, Chief Seattle, and Chief Red Cloud are a few of the visionary leaders who committed their lives to bring peace, and internal happiness to all who they touched. They were tangible signs of goodwill toward all men, women, and children.